25 years ago

december 23, 1987

Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus didn’t have an empty knee Saturday afternoon when they met with a multitude of children at The Sportsman. After hearing requests and conducting friendly visits with the youngsters, Mr. and Mrs. Claus (who had a striking resemblance to Bob and Shirley Smith again this year) distributed treats provided through the Marion Chamber of Commerce. Santa’s visit was moved indoors, due to nasty weather and an absence of heat in his house.

Marion High School’s select choir, the Swing Singers, presented a program of Christmas music to 75 members of the Marion Chamber of Commerce meeting Friday noon at Scandals private club. The choir is directed by Richard Bell. Membership of the chamber now stands at 114, the largest in recent history.

Three students dressed as mariachi musicians to play the song “Paco the Mexican Reindeer” during a Christmas program sponsored by Marion Elementary and Bown Corby schools. The pictured costumed music makers are Jason Kruse and Matie Christiansen, fourth graders and Dale Sharp, third grade.

Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Cooper of Marion are pictured delivering a check from workers at Beech Aircraft Corporation to Chamber of Commerce president Gerry Harris. The money will go into the special fund that provides Christmas treats for children of Marion County.